In line with the ECOWAS sanctions, Nigeria has cut its electricity supply to Niger, according to Nigerien Electricity Company (Nigelec).

“Nigeria disconnected since yesterday (Tuesday) the high voltage line that carries electricity to Niger,” said a Nigelec agent while indicating that the capital, Niamey, was “supplied thanks to local production”.

According to a report by Nigelec – the country’s sole supplier -, in 2022, 70% of Niger’s share of electricity came from purchases from the Nigerian company Mainstream. Electricity is produced by the Kainji dam (western Nigeria).

Many neighbourhoods in the city of Niamey are normally subject to power cuts and Nigeria’s decision will aggravate this situation.

To free itself from its strong energy dependence on neighbouring Nigeria, Niger is working to complete its first dam by 2025, on the river of the same name. Some 180 km upstream from Niamey, the Kandadji dam should generate 629 gigawatt hours (GWh) annually.

Niger, one of the poorest countries in the world.